TIPPING MOVERS

Tipping movers what are industry standards

Not only tipping movers, tipping is the American tradition. In some countries, tipping is not a part of their countries, some countries consider tipping as social custom. USA is a typical example of that exhibition. In some industries, worker rely more on the tips than on the hourly wage. People who work in restaurant industry look at the tips as a motivation for a better service as well as the generosity and civilization in that community. Most of the time, Americans tip the servers in restaurants, hotels, salons, delivery, and valet parking, etc. whenever the service is complete. In a few service industries, the tip is mandatory no matter how bad or good the given service is. How about tipping movers? Is tipping movers important? The answer is “Yes”. Tips are expected but not required. Just like in other industries, movers are usually paid minimum wages or maybe just a little bit above. For any moves that leave behind uncountable mistakes and damages, they obviously will never expect to receive tips. On the contrary, movers deserve tips for excellent move or even for a mediocre move because they are hauling customers’ belongings from house to truck and from truck to new house. In fact, people who looking for moving service when they can’t do it themselves because of insufficient equipment or difficult situation. Well, professional movers are the ones who have to maneuver big items down stair, narrow stairway, or severe weather condition. In some cases, movers have to work in unhygienic house, handling toxic items, or inconvenient truck parking. Therefore, tipping movers, is entirely appropriate even everybody knows that the cost of moving charged upon customers is high, but we have to keep in mind that movers still get paid based on their hourly wages.
But at what standards for the tip to be given, of course it must be determined by the quality of the move and the attitude of the movers toward customers during the move. The quality is considered as no major damages, no lost & stolen items, no call no show or showing up late, no careless packing. Sometimes, movers finish the job earlier than the estimation, handle excessive stairs or a large amount of bulky and awkward items. The attitude of the movers at the job site is partially motivate customers to give tips. During the move, customers are more likely tipping movers that are showing their passion of the job, their honesty, and their politeness; sometimes, smiling, showing the sense of humor, or giving constructive ideas based on movers’ experiences could increase the chance of having tips. In reverse, showing at the job with a funky weird smell, saggy pants, smoking, cursing each other, etc. are examples of losing points; it also means losing tips as well.

• When to tip movers?

There are two ways to tip movers. The customer can either follow The first mentioned earlier, tipping movers when signing and paying for the contract. This is an uncommon way compared to the traditional one. Traditionally, customers give tips after receiving services or right after paying for the service. By tipping first, the manager can tune up the crew about such a bonus on top of the regular paycheck. Therefore, the crew will be motivated and more focused on that upcoming move. However, some problems may occur with this type of tip. It is tough to change people’s behaviors while changing attitudes depends on the previous situation’s outcome. A person today is different from that person tomorrow. A good guy today doesn’t guarantee the same good guy tomorrow. Same with movers, for example, the mover that arrive at the job site is an experienced movers, but for some reasons on that day, he did not perform. Normally He is a careful and responsible worker, but he has carried his bad mood to that job and performed badly; it may be either from personal problems or company problems. Therefore, attitudes are temporary but decide the outcome of the job and of course the amount of tips as well. Eventually, in order to increase the chance to get tips and increase the worker efficiency, keeping a high level of motivation and coaching the movers regularly may benefits both employers and workers.
The second way to give tips is tipping movers at the end of the job, the productive point of this way is that the customer have a chance to assess the job after it has been done. That is also the nature of giving tips. Indeed, every single person has their own level of satisfaction or expectation. It would be high if customer is familiar or experienced with the service; in reverse, it would be low. When satisfaction cylinder is filled up according to the standards for tipping movers, which are already mentioned in the first part, tips are likely to be given. Unlike other industries, moving services have sometimes step on people’s privacy. For example, moving sensitive items, moving under pressure of time, or etc. All movers’ movements are usually observed and evaluated by the customers so as to make sure nothing serious happens during a move.

• What is expected when tipping movers?

Expectation is defined as an integration of so many standards which meets customers’ desire. According to many surveys from moving companies, movers’ honesty is the most important thing that customers want to see. Certainly, we never want to invite a thief into our house. Especially during a big move or during packing time, there will be so many little things that are easy to sneak and pick. Some of items are worth nothing for someone but everything for another; thus, whenever customers hire movers, they expect nothing disappearing aftermath. Swiftness is the next element that customers expect. People love fast services because time is money, and because moving service is an hourly service, finish time will reflect the price. Some moving companies charge a low price every hour of work, but it takes twice as much time to finish the job compared to another company, which charges a regular price. The poll indicates that most people prefer regular price to low price but working slow. The next one is about the price. Not only moving services, if the total price is low, we are more likely to giving tips, but if the price is higher than the budgets even if the customers really want to. Finally, politeness is highly expected in this industry because that is the first look of the business. This expectation usually go along with the trust. Therefore, it will build up a strong relationship between customers and company and also the unique brand for the company.
The expected amount of tips is approximately 5% of the pre-tax total price or $20 for each movers; sometimes, there is no rules at all because it depends on each situation’s outcome. For example, some long distance moves or extra work on stairs, it may increase the amount of tips. Sometimes, money doesn’t show its influence, or customers is in short of budget. An alternative way of complement is buying foods or drinks for the movers, and that is definitely a great substitution for tips especially during the move that go through lunch, dinner, or severe weather condition.
In which way should a tip to be given? We know that not all movers perform the same effort on the job day. Customers should not tip an individual mover or a few movers in front of other movers especially the one that don’t get tips. It might create a jealousy among movers or destroy future unity and teamwork. Therefore, a best way is tipping the whole crew by giving tips to the crew leader or every single one, or maybe personally give tip to the movers at which no other movers see it.

Conclusion

Tipping movers is a complementary action. All customers should be encouraged to tip movers because it is showing the civilization, helping the community growing equally. Moving is a heavy job, and unlike any other services, it requires more skills, heath, and good characteristics; therefore, moving services should be treated well too. Certainly, whenever all industry standards must be met, and all expectations are fulfilled, there would be a surprise if a customer refuse to give tips.